The Baltimore Ravens have confirmed that their running back J.K. Dobbins is dealing with a torn ACL. The injury will see Dobbins missing the entire 2021 NFL season as he recovers.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that he expects Dobbins to have no long-term consequences and be back fully fit for the OTAs in 2022.
Dobbins suffered the injury in the opening drive of the Ravens’ final preseason game against Washington on Saturday. He received a screen pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson and made a run before being sandwiched between two opposing defenders. After the play ended, the 22-year-old player was seen grabbing his knee and had to be carted off the field.
The injury is very unfortunate for Dobbins, especially since he was predicted to have a standout 2022 campaign as Ravens first-choice at the running back position. The Ohio State product was coming off a promising rookie season in which he had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 6.0 yards per carry.
Ravens will most likely turn to 2019’s fourth-round selection Justice Hill and undrafted duo Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams as their main options at the position. The team might explore adding another running back via trade or free agency, although Harbaugh believes that won’t be necessary.
“I have full confidence in the rest of the running backs that are here to pick up the load and to do a great job for us,” he added.
